Compound, resin composition, and resin molded article

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a compound represented by formula (1): 
     
       
         
         
             
             
         
       
         
         
           
             wherein R 1  and R 3  each independently represent an alkylene group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms or an arylene group; R 2  and R 4  each independently represent a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, or an aryl group; and l, n and m each independently represent a natural number of 1 to 3.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based on and claims priority under 35 USC 119 fromJapanese Patent Application No. 2011-027702 filed Feb. 10, 2011.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates to a compound, a resin composition and aresin molded article.

2. Related Art

Conventionally, a variety of resin compositions have been provided andused for various applications. In particular, thermoplastic resins areused for various components such as cases for home appliances orautomobiles, office equipment, and electric and electrical devices.

SUMMARY

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a compoundrepresented by formula (1).

In formula (1), R₁ and R₃ each independently represent an alkylene grouphaving 1 to 10 carbon atoms or an arylene group, R₂ and R₄ eachindependently represent a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 6carbon atoms, or an aryl group, and l, n and m each independentlyrepresent a natural number of 1 to 3.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described indetail based on the following figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic view illustrating an example of a component of anelectronic and electrical device including a resin molded articlerelated to this exemplary embodiment; and

FIG. 2 is a view illustrating an IR spectrum of a multifunctionalcompound 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of a compound, resin composition andresin molded article according to the present invention will bedescribed.

[Compound]

The compound related to this exemplary embodiment is a multifunctionalcompound represented by formula (1). The multifunctional compoundrepresented by the following formula (1) is a novel compound whichimparts flame retardancy to resins.

The reason is not clear, but is presumed that a benzene ring and acarboxyl (ester thereof) group in a molecular structure of themultifunctional compound represented by formula (1) interact bycombustion to form carbonized layers similar to carbonate resins.

Hereinafter, the multifunctional compound represented by formula (1)will be described in detail.

In formula (1), R₁ and R₃ each independently represent an alkylene grouphaving 1 to 10 carbon atoms, or an arylene group. R₂ and R₄ eachindependently represent a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 6carbon atoms, or an aryl group. l, n and m each independently representa natural number of 1 to 3.

In formula (1), the alkylene group having 1 to 10 carbon atomsrepresented by R₁ and R₃ may be a straight or branched chain, andspecific examples thereof include a methylene group, an ethylene group,an n-propylene group, an isopropylene group (methylethylene group), ann-butylene group, an isobutylene group, a sec-butylene group, atert-butylene group, a pentylene group, a hexylene group, an octylenegroup and the like.

The alkylene group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms is preferably an alkylenegroup having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, more preferably an alkylene grouphaving 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

The arylene group represented by R₁ and R₃ may be one selected from aphenylene group and a naphthylene group.

The arylene group is preferably an arylene group having 6 to 14 carbonatoms, more preferably an arylene group having 6 to 10 carbon atoms.

In formula (1), the alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms representedby R₂ and R₄ may be straight or branched chain and, specifically, thealkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms represented by R₂ and R₄ may beone selected from a methyl group, an ethyl group, an n-propyl group, anisopropyl group (methylethyl group), an n-butyl group, an isobutylgroup, a sec-butyl group, a tert-butyl group, a pentyl group and a hexylgroup.

The alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms is preferably an alkyl grouphaving 1 to 4 carbon atoms, more preferably an alkyl group having 1 to 3carbon atoms.

The aryl group represented by R₂ and R₉ in formula (1) may be oneselected from a phenyl group and a naphthyl group.

The aryl group is preferably an aryl group having 6 to 14 carbon atoms,more preferably an aryl group having 6 to 10 carbon atoms.

The group represented by each symbol in formula (1) includes substitutedor un-substituted groups and examples of groups which may be asubstituent of these groups include an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbonatoms, an aryl group and the like.

In formula (1), l, n and m each independently represent a natural numberof 1 to 3 and preferably a natural number of 1 or 2.

Here, the compound represented by formula (1) is preferably a compoundwherein R₁ represents an alkylene group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, R₃represents an alkylene group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, R₂ representsan alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, R₄ represents an alkyl grouphaving 1 to 6 carbon atoms, l represents a natural number of 1 to 3, nrepresents a natural number of 1 to 3 and m represents a natural numberof 1 to 3.

In addition, the compound represented by formula (1) is particularlypreferably a compound wherein R₁ represents an ethylene group or ann-butylene group, R₃ represents an ethylene group or an n-butylenegroup, R₂ represents a methyl group, R₄ represents a methyl group, lrepresents 1 or 2, n represents 1 or 2 and m represents 1 or 2.

Hereinafter, specific examples of the compound represented by formula(1) include, but are not limited to, the following compounds.

n/ m/ l/ [—OR₃OH] [—OCOOR₄] [—OCOOR₂] Raw bond bond bond materials R₁ R₂R₃ R₄ position position position Multifunctional Naturally Ethylenegroup Methyl Ethylene group Methyl 1/4 1/4 1/4 compound 1 derived groupgroup position position position Multifunctional Naturally Methylenegroup Methyl Methylene group Methyl 1/4 1/4 1/4 compound 2 derived groupgroup position position position Multifunctional Naturally n-PropyleneMethyl n-Propylene Methyl 1/4 1/4 1/4 compound 3 derived group groupgroup group position position position Multifunctional Naturallyn-Butylene group Methyl n-Butylene group Methyl 1/4 1/4 1/4 compound 4derived group group position position position Multifunctional Naturally2-Methylethylene Methyl 2-Methylethylene Methyl 1/4 1/4 1/4 compound 5derived group group group group position position positionMultifunctional Naturally n-Decamethylene Methyl n-Decamethylene Methyl1/4 1/4 1/4 compound 6 derived group group group group position positionposition Multifunctional Naturally Ethylene group Methyl n-Butylenegroup Methyl 1/4 1/4 1/4 compound 7 derived group group positionposition position Multifunctional Naturally Phenylene group MethylPhenylene group Methyl 1/4 1/4 1/4 compound 8 derived group groupposition position position Multifunctional Naturally Ethylene groupMethyl Phenylene group Methyl 1/4 1/4 1/4 compound 9 derived group groupposition position position Multifunctional Naturally Naphthylene MethylNaphthylene Methyl 1/4 1/4 1/4 compound 10 derived group group groupgroup position position position Multifunctional Naturally Ethylenegroup n-Hexyl Ethylene group n-Hexyl 1/4 1/4 1/4 compound 11 derivedgroup group position position position Multifunctional NaturallyEthylene group tert-Butyl Ethylene group tert- 1/4 1/4 1/4 compound 12derived group Butyl position position position group MultifunctionalNaturally Ethylene group Phenyl Ethylene group Phenyl 1/4 1/4 1/4compound 13 derived group group position position positionMultifunctional Naturally Ethylene group Methyl Ethylene group Phenyl1/4 1/4 1/4 compound 14 derived group group position position positionMultifunctional Naturally Ethylene group Methyl Ethylene group Methyl2/2, 6 2/2, 6 1/4 compound 15 derived group group position positionposition Multifunctional Naturally Ethylene group Methyl Ethylene groupMethyl 2/2, 6 2/2, 6 2/2, 6 compound 16 derived group group positionposition position Multifunctional Naturally Ethylene group MethylEthylene group Methyl 3/2, 4, 6 2/2, 6 2/2, 6 compound 17 derived groupgroups position position position Multifunctional Naturally Ethylenegroup Methyl Ethylene group Methyl 2/2, 6 3/2, 4, 6 2/2, 6 compound 18derived group group position position position Multifunctional NaturallyEthylene group Methyl Ethylene group Methyl 3/2, 4, 6 3/2, 4, 6 3/2, 4,6 compound 19 derived group group position position positionMultifunctional Naturally Ethylene group Methyl n-Butylene group Phenyl2/2, 6 2/2, 6 2/2, 6 compound 20 derived group group position positionposition Multifunctional Chemically Ethylene group Methyl Ethylene groupMethyl 1/4 1/4 1/4 compound 21 synthesized group group position positionposition

Hereinafter, a method for synthesizing the compound represented byformula (1) will be described.

Examples of the synthetic method for the compound represented by formula(1) include methods for synthesizing (inducing) the compound from a woodresource, lignin, as a starting material and other chemical synthesismethods. Particularly preferred is synthesis (induction) from a woodresource, lignin, used as a starting material, in that it isadvantageous in terms of environmental load and expression of flameretardancy.

The method for synthesizing (inducing) the compound from a woodresource, lignin, is for example a method described in JP-A-2001-64494.

Specifically, lignophenol derivatives are obtained from a wood powder,dissolved in a solvent such as acetone, dicarbonic acid ester orhydroxycarboxylic acid ester having the desired structure is dissolvedin a solvent such as tetrahydrofuran, a catalyst such astetrabutoxytitanate is added, the two solutions are mixed with eachother, and the mixture is vigorously stirred with refluxing at 60° C.The solution is added dropwise to water. The obtained precipitate is thetarget compound.

Meanwhile, another chemical synthesis is for example carried out inaccordance with the described method using phenol derivative monomers(commercially available) having a structure similar to lignophenolderivatives.

[Resin Composition]

The resin composition related to this exemplary embodiment contains aresin and the compound represented by formula (1), and optionallycontains a flame retardant, other ingredients or the like.

(Resin)

First, the resin will be described.

Examples of the resin include conventionally known thermoplastic resinsand specific examples thereof include polycarbonate resins,polypropylene resins, polyamide resins, polylactic acid resins,aliphatic polyester resins, aromatic polyester resins, polyolefinresins, polyester carbonate resins, polyphenylene ether resins,polyphenylene sulfide resins, polysulfone resins, polyether sulfoneresins, polyarylene resins, polyetherimide resins, polyacetal resins,polyvinyl acetal resins, polyketone resins, polyether ketone resins,polyether ether ketone resins, polyaryl ketone resins, polyether nitrileresins, liquid crystal resins, polybenzimidazole resins, polyparabanicacid resins, aromatic alkenyl compounds, methacrylic acid esters,acrylic acid esters, vinyl-based polymer or copolymer resins obtained bypolymerizing or copolymerizing one or more vinyl monomers selected fromthe group consisting of vinyl cyanide compounds, diene-aromatic alkenylcompound copolymer resins, vinyl cyanide-diene-aromatic alkenyl compoundcopolymer resins, aromatic alkenyl compound-diene-vinyl cyanide-N-phenylmaleimide copolymer resins, vinylcyanide-(ethylene-diene-propylene(EPDM))-aromatic alkenyl compoundcopolymer resins, polyolefins, vinyl chloride resins, chlorinated vinylchloride resins and the like.

These resins may be used alone or in combination of two or more types.

Of these resins, aliphatic polyester resins, aliphatic polyamide resinsand cellulose resins are preferred.

When the aliphatic polyester resin is used, the resin composition canexhibit flame retardancy through a small amount (for example about 1/10of conventional flame retardants) of the compound represented by formula(1). The reason is not clear, but it is presumed that the compoundrepresented by formula (1) is homogeneously dispersed with ease in thealiphatic polyester resin.

In addition, the homogeneous dispersion is thought to be caused by areaction of the compound represented by formula (1) with the end of thealiphatic polyester resin. As a result, the resin composition is thoughtto exhibit hydrolysis resistance.

When the aliphatic polyamide resin is used, the obtained resin moldedarticle exhibits an improved elastic modulus. The reason is not clear,but it is presumed that affinity between the end group of the aliphaticpolyamide resin and the compound represented by formula (1) is high andmolecular motion for the aliphatic polyamide resin having a generallylow elastic modulus is limited.

In addition, it is thought that, when the molecular motion of thealiphatic polyamide resin is excessively limited, bending fracturedistortion tends to decrease, but the molecular motion andintermolecular force of the aliphatic polyamide resin is suitablylimited and bending fracture distortion of the obtained resin moldedarticle is thus improved, since the molecular size of the compoundrepresented by formula (1) is relatively suitable.

In addition, molecules are constricted and temperature-dependency ofmolecular motion (generally, as temperatures increase, molecules morereadily move) thus is thought to be decreased. As a result, the obtainedresin molded article can exhibit heat resistance.

When cellulose resin is used, the obtained resin molded article exhibitsimproved dimensional stability. The reason is not clear, but is thoughtthat at least one of hydroxyl and alkoxy groups of cellulose resin whichhas superior absorbency and large dimensional variation during storagewhen it is formed into resin molded articles reacts with the compoundrepresented by formula (1) having a relatively suitable molecular sizeto block hydroxyl and alkoxy groups contributing to absorbency.

In addition, the compound represented by formula (1) has high reactivitywith cellulose and has a chemical structure in which hard segments suchas phenylene rings and soft segments such as olefin or ether are presentwith a relatively short cycle, thus strength in a ball drop test may beimproved.

Hereinafter, a case where an aliphatic polyester resin is applied willbe described in detail.

Examples of aliphatic polyester resins include hydroxycarboxylic acidpolymers, condensates of aliphatic diol and aliphatic carboxylic acidand the like.

These resins may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

Of these aliphatic polyester resins, hydroxycarboxylic acid polymers(such as polylactic acid, polyhydroxybutyrate, polyhydroxyadipate,polyhydroxyhexanoate, polyhydroxyvalerate and copolymers thereof) arepreferred. In particular, of hydroxycarboxylic acid polymers, polylacticacid and polyhydroxy butyrate are preferred.

The aliphatic polyester resin may be any condensate of lactic acid (forexample, polyhydroxy butyrate). The polylactic acid may be present as amixture or optical isomers such as L-polylactic acid and D-polylacticacid, or a copolymer thereof.

The weight average molecular weight of the aliphatic polyester resin isnot particularly limited, and is for example from 8,000 to 150,000 andpreferably from 20,000 to 100,000.

When the weight average molecular weight is lower than this range, it isdifficult to improve crosslink density, when the aliphatic polyesterresin reacts with the compound of formula (1) and thus formscross-linkages. When the weight average molecular weight exceeds thisrange, cross-linking reactivity between the aliphatic polyester resinand the compound of formula (1) tends to decrease.

The weight average molecular weight is a value measured by using a gelpermeation chromatography system (Prominence GPC manufactured byShimadzu Corporation) using a Shim-pack GPC-80M as a test column. Thisis also applied to the following.

The aliphatic polyester resin and the compound which represented byformula (1) react with each other and form a cross-linked structure andmay be contained in the resin composition (resin molded article), orthey do not react each other and may be contained in the resincomposition (resin molded article). From the viewpoint of improvingflame retardancy, it is preferred that the aliphatic polyester resin andthe compound represented by formula (1) react with each other and form across-linked and be contained in the resin composition (resin moldedarticle).

When the aliphatic polyester resin and the compound represented byformula (1) react with each other and form a cross-linked structure, anend capping degree of the aliphatic polyester resin of the compoundrepresented by formula (1) is preferably 0.5 or more, and morepreferably 0.8 or more and 0.95 or less.

The end capping degree of the aliphatic polyester resin is defined as aratio of the number of capped ends to the number of uncapped ends amongaliphatic polyester ends present (the number of capped ends/the numberof uncapped ends) and is obtained by measuring intensity ratios of peakscorresponding to respective ends using FT-IR (JASCO, FT/IR-6000) andcomparing the values.

Here, a ratio of a mass (A) of the compound represented by formula (1)and a mass (B) of the aliphatic polyester resin {(A)/(B)} is not limitedand is for example 0.05/100 to 1.5/100, preferably 0.1/100 to 1/100.

When the compound and the aliphatic polyester resin are contained at aratio lower than this range in the resin composition, flame retardancytends to deteriorate, and when they are contained at a ratio higher thanthis range in the resin composition, flowability and moldability tend todeteriorate.

Hereinafter, a case where an aliphatic polyamide resin is applied willbe described in detail.

The aliphatic polyamide resin is not particularly limited and examplesthereof include polyamide 6, polyamide 6-6, polyamide 4-6, polyamide6-10, polyamide 6-12, polyamide 11, polyamide 12, polyamide 9-10,polyamide 9-12, polyamide 9-13, polyamide 9-14, polyamide 9-15,polyamide 6-16, polyamide 9-36, polyamide 10⁻¹⁰, polyamide 10-6,polyamide 10-12, polyamide 10-13, polyamide 10-14, polyamide 12-10,polyamide 12-12, polyamide 12-13, polyamide 12-14, polyamide 6-14,polyamide 6-13, polyamide 6-15, polyamide 6-16, polyamide 6-13 and thelike.

These resins may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

Of the aliphatic polyamide resins, polyamide 11, polyamide 10-10 andpolyamide 10-6 are preferred from a viewpoint of improving an elasticmodulus and bending fracture distortion of the obtained resin moldedarticle.

In addition, from a viewpoint of improving of heat resistance of theobtained resin molded article, the aliphatic polyamide resin ispreferably prepared from materials derived from plants.

The weight average molecular weight of the aliphatic polyamide resin isnot particularly limited and is for example 5,000 to 200,000, preferably10,000 to 150,000.

When the weight average molecular weight is lower this range, thebending fracture distortion of the obtained resin molded article tendsto deteriorate, and when the weight average molecular weight exceedsthis range, the elastic modulus of the obtained resin molded articletends to deteriorate.

The aliphatic polyamide resin and the compound represented by formula(1) react with each other and form a cross-link structure and may becontained in the resin composition (resin molded article), or they donot react with each other and may be contained in the resin composition(resin molded article). From the viewpoint of improving the elasticmodulus and bending fracture distortion of the obtained resin moldedarticle, it is preferable that the aliphatic polyamide resin and thecompound represented by formula (1) react with each other and form across-link structure and may be contained in the resin composition(resin molded article).

When the aliphatic polyamide resin and the compound represented byformula (1) react with each other and form a cross-link structure, anend capping degree of the aliphatic polyamide resin of the compoundrepresented by formula (1) is preferably 0.5 or more, and morepreferably 0.8 or more and 0.95 or less.

In addition, the end capping degree of the aliphatic polyamide resin isdefined as a ratio of the number of capped ends to the number ofuncapped ends among aliphatic polyamide ends present, (the number ofcapped ends/the number of uncapped ends) and is obtained by measuring anintensity ratios of peaks corresponding to respective ends using FT-IR(JASCO, FT/IR-6000) and comparing the measured values.

Here, a ratio of a mass (A) of the compound represented by formula (1)and amass (B) of the aliphatic polyamide resin {(A)/(B)} is not limitedand is for example 0.05/100 to 5/100, preferably 0.1/100 to 3/100.

When the compound and the aliphatic polyamide resin are contained at aratio lower than this range in the resin composition, it is difficult toimprove an elastic modulus of the obtained resin molded article, andwhen they are contained at a ratio higher than this range in the resincomposition, bending fracture distortion of the obtained resin moldedarticle tends to deteriorate.

Hereinafter, a case where a cellulose resin is applied will be describedin detail.

Examples of the cellulose resin include unsubstituted cellulose,hemicellulose, substituted cellulose (cellulose with substituent acetylgroups, n-propoxyl groups, iso-propoxyl groups, n-butoxyl groups,iso-butoxyl groups, tert-butoxyl groups) and the like.

These resins may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

Of these cellulose resins, from the viewpoint of improving dimensionalstability of the obtained resin molded article, substituted andunsubstituted celluloses, substituted celluloses (such as diacetylcellulose, triacetyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, celluloseacetate propionate (=acetyl-propyl-cellulose)) substituted withsubstituent groups having a relatively small molecular weight (such asacetyl groups, alkyl groups having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, carboxyl groups)are preferable.

The weight average molecular weight of the cellulose resin is notparticularly limited and is for example from 8,000 to 200,000,preferably from 15,000 to 100,000.

In addition, the number average molecular weight of the cellulsose resinis not particularly limited and is for example from 4,000 to 150,000,preferably from 8,000 to 100,000.

When these average molecular weights are lower than the respectiveranges, mechanical strength tends to deteriorate, and when these averagemolecular weights exceed the respective ranges, moldability tends todeteriorate.

In addition, the molecular weight distribution of the cellulose resin(weight average molecular weight Mw/number average molecular weight Mn)is for example 3 to 8, preferably 3.5 to 5.

When the molecular weight distribution is lower than this range,moldability tends to deteriorate and when the molecular weightdistribution exceeds this range, mechanical strength tends todeteriorate.

The cellulose resin and the compound represented by formula (1) reactwith each other and form a cross-link structure and may be contained inthe resin composition (resin molded article).

Here, a ratio of a mass (A) of the compound represented by formula (1)and a mass (B) of the cellulose resin {(A)/(B)} is not limited and isfor example 0.5/100 to 10/100, preferably 1/100 to 5/100.

When the compound and the cellulose resin are contained at a ratio lowerthan this range in the resin composition, it is difficult to improvedimensional stability of the obtained resin molded article, and whenthey are contained at a ratio higher than this range in the resincomposition, dimensional stability of the obtained resin molded articletends to deteriorate.

In addition, the content of all resins in the resin composition relatedto this exemplary embodiment is preferably for example 50% by mass to95% by mass or less, based on the total amount of the resin composition.

(Flame Retardant)

Examples of the flame retardant include phosphorus-based,silicone-based, nitrogen-based, sulfate-based and metal hydroxide-basedflame retardants.

Examples of the phosphorus-based flame retardant include condensed esterphosphate, melamine polyphosphate, ammonium polyphosphate, aluminumpolyphosphate, melamine pyrophosphate and the like.

Examples of the silicon-based flame retardant include dimethylsiloxane,nano silica, silicone-modified polycarbonate and the like.

Examples of the nitrogen-based flame retardant include melaminecompounds, triazine compounds and the like.

Examples of the sulfate-based flame retardant include melamine sulfate,guanidine sulfate and the like.

Examples of inorganic hydroxide-based flame retardant include magnesiumhydroxide, aluminum hydroxide, montmorillonite and the like.

Of these flame retardants, from the viewpoint of improving flameretardancy, phosphorus-based, sulfate-based, and inorganichydroxide-based flame retardants are preferred, and in particular, flameretardants present in a solid state at room temperature (for example,25° C.), such as, melamine polyphosphate, ammonium polyphosphate,aluminum polyphosphate, melamine pyrophosphate, magnesium hydroxide,aluminum hydroxide, and montmorillonite are preferred.

In addition, the flame retardant may be selected from synthesized orcommercially available products.

Examples of commercially available phosphorus-based flame retardantproducts include PX-200 and PX-202 (trade names, manufactured byDaihachi Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.), TERRAJU C80 (trade name,manufactured by Chemische Fabrik Budenheim KG), and EXOLIT AP422 andEXOLIT OP930 (trade names, manufactured by Clariant AG).

Examples of commercially available silicone-based flame retardantproducts include DC4-7081 (trade name, manufactured by Dow Corning TorayCo., Ltd.).

Examples of commercially available nitrogen-based flame retardantproducts include FP2200 (trade name, manufactured by ADEKA CORPORATION).

Examples of commercially available sulfate-based flame retardantproducts include APINON 901 (trade name, manufactured by Sanwa ChemicalCo., Ltd.), melamine pyrophosphate manufactured by Shimonoseki MitsuiChemicals, Inc., and FP2100 (trade name, manufactured by ADEKACORPORATION).

Examples of commercially available inorganic-hydroxide-based flameretardant products include MGZ3 and MGZ300 (trade names, manufactured bySakai Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.) and B103ST (trade name, manufacturedby Nippon Light Metal Co., Ltd.).

The content of the flame retardant is for example 1% by mass to 50% bymass or less, preferably, 5% by mass to 20% by mass or less, based onthe total amount of the resin composition.

(Other Ingredient)

Examples of the other ingredient include compatibilizers, plasticizers,antioxidants, releasing agents, light-resistant agents, anti-weatheringagents, colorings, pigments, modifiers, anti-dripping agents, antistaticagents, anti-hydrolysis agents, fillers, reinforcing agents (glassfiber, carbon fibers, talc, clay, mica, glass flake, milled glass, glassbeads, crystalline silica, alumina, silicon nitride, alumina nitride,boron nitride and the like.

The content of other ingredients is for example 0% by mass to 10% bymass, preferably 0% by mass to 5% by mass. Here, “0% by mass” means thatthe resin composition contains no other ingredients.

(Method for Preparing Resin Composition)

The resin composition related to this exemplary embodiment is preparedby melt-mixing the mixture of respective ingredients.

Here, a tool for melt-mixing may be any of those known in the art andexamples thereof include biaxial extruders, Henschel mixers, Banburymixers, monoaxial screw extruders, multi-axial screw extruders,co-kneaders and the like.

[Resin Molded Article]

The resin molded article related to this exemplary embodiment containsthe resin composition related to this exemplary embodiment.

Specifically, the resin molded article related to this exemplaryembodiment can be obtained by molding the resin composition related tothis exemplary embodiment (by a molding method such as injectionmolding, extrusion molding, blow molding, heat press molding, calendarmolding, coating molding, cast molding, dipping molding, vacuum moldingand transfer molding).

The injection molding may be for example carried out using acommercially available apparatus such as NEX150 (manufactured by NisseiResin Industry Co., Ltd.), NEX70000 (manufactured by Nissei ResinIndustry Co., Ltd.), SE50D (manufactured by Toshiba Machine Co., Ltd.).

At this time, the cylinder temperature is preferably 170° C. to 280° C.,more preferably 180° C. to 270° C. In addition, a molding temperature ispreferably 40° C. to 110° C., more preferably 50° C. to 110° C.

The resin molded article related to this exemplary embodiment issuitable for use in applications including electric and electricaldevices, home appliances, containers, interior materials for automobilesand the like. More specifically, the resin molded article is suitablefor cases of home appliances, electric and electrical devices and thelike, a variety of components and the like, wrapping films, storagecases for CD-ROMs, DVDs and the like, dishes, food trays, drink bottles,pharmaceutical packaging and the like. Of these, components of electricand electrical devices are suitable as intended use.

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view illustrating the outer appearance ofan image forming apparatus, as one example of components electric andelectrical devices including the molded article related to thisexemplary embodiment.

The image forming apparatus 100 of FIG. 1 includes a body 110 and frontcovers 120 a and 120 b arranged at the front side of the body 110. Thesefront covers 120 a and 120 b may open and close to enable an operator toperform operations in the apparatus. The operator can refill used toner,replace a used-up process cartridge with a new one and remove paperjammed in the apparatus through the front covers 120 a and 120 b. FIG. 1shows an apparatus in which the front covers 120 a and 120 b are open.

The body 110 is provided on the top surface thereof with an operatingpanel 130 to enable an operator to input terms and conditions associatedwith image formation such as paper size or number of copies and a copyglass 132 on which a manuscript to be read is arranged. In addition, thebody 110 is provided on the top thereof with an automatic manuscripttransport device 134 to transport the manuscript onto the copy glass132. In addition, the body 110 includes an image reader to scan amanuscript image arranged on the copy glass 132 and thereby obtain imagedata representing the manuscript image. The image data obtained by theimage reader is transferred through a controlling unit to an imageforming unit. In addition, the image reader and the controlling unit areaccommodated in a case 150 constituting a part of the body 110. Inaddition, the image forming unit is provided as a detachable processcartridge 142 in the case 150. The detachment of the process cartridge142 can be accomplished by turning an operating lever 144.

The case 150 of the body 110 is provided with a toner accommodating unit146 and a toner is replenished from a toner supply hole 148. The toneraccommodated in the toner accommodating unit 146 is supplied to adeveloping unit.

Meanwhile, the body 110 is provided in lower parts thereof with paperstorage cassettes 140 a, 140 b and 140 c. In addition, plural transportrollers including a pair of rollers are arranged in the body 110, thusforming a transport passage in which the paper is carried from the paperstorage cassettes to the image forming unit arranged thereon. Inaddition, paper of each paper storage cassette is supplied one piece ata time through a paper supply device arranged near the end of thetransport passage and transferred to the transport passage. In addition,the body 110 is provided at the side thereof with a manual paper feedunit 136, through which paper is also supplied.

The paper on which an image is formed by the image forming unit istransported between two fixing rollers which contact each othersupported by the case 152 constituting a part of the body 110 anddischarged outside the body 110. The body 110 has one side in which thepaper supply unit 136 is provided and an opposite side in which pluralpaper discharge units 138 are provided. After image formation, paper isdischarged through the paper discharge unit.

The resin molded article related to this exemplary embodiment is forexample used for the front covers 120 a and 120 b, exterior material ofthe process cartridge 142, the case 150 and the case 152 in the imageforming apparatus 100.

EXAMPLES

The present invention will be described with reference to the followingexamples in detail, but is not limited thereto. In addition, thefollowing “part” is based on mass, unless specifically describedotherwise.

[Synthesis of Compound 1]

(Multifunctional Compound 1)

—Synthesis—

A waste material of Hinoki (Chamaecyparis obtuse) is screened through a20 mesh sieve, 10 parts by mass of chips passing through the sieve isdipped in acetone for 20 hours, vacuum-dried at 80° C. for 8 hours anddegreased. After degreasing, 50 parts by mass of p-cresol is added tothe degreased chips, the mixture is stirred at room temperature for 4hours, followed by adding 50 parts by mass of 78% concentrated sulfuricacid and stirring at 30° C. for one hour. Then, 1000 parts by mass ofdistilled water is added and the mixture is stirred and an upper layeris separated and removed by decantation. A lower layer is dissolved indiethyl ether, acetone is added thereto, a diethyl ether layer isextracted in a separating funnel, and the extraction is reprecipitatedin distilled water. 1 part by mass of ethylene glycol, 2 parts by massof methyl acetate, and 0.01 part by mass of tetrabutoxytitanium areadded to 5 parts by mass of this precipitate and the mixture is stirredat 140° C. under a vacuum atmosphere for 6 hours to obtain amultifunctional compound 1.

Through the treatment described above, the multifunctional compound 1 ispelletized.

—Identification—

The multifunctional compound 1 thus obtained is identified as follows.

Measurement of IR spectrum.

In a spectrum, characteristic peaks of a basic skeleton of lignocresolare observed at 1 (at the vicinity of 1,098 cm⁻¹) and 2 (at the vicinityof 1,595 cm⁻¹), which indicates presence of a lignocresol skeleton. Inaddition, a terminal esterified carbonyl structure is confirmed fromintense peaks of 3 (at the vicinity of 1,750 cm⁻¹) and a terminalhydroxylethyl structure is confirmed from a peak intensity of 3,000 cm⁻¹or higher in 4 (at the vicinity of 2,980 cm⁻¹), which indicates thatpresence of the multifunctional compound 1.

As apparent from the foregoing, the obtained compound is identified asthe multifunctional compound 1.

In addition, FIG. 2 shows an IR spectrum of the multifunctional compound1.

(Multifunctional Compound 21)

—Synthesis—

7 parts by mass of phenol, 3 parts by mass of ethylene glycol and 100parts by mass of tetrahydrofuran are added to 10 parts by mass ofcommercially available diphenyl ethene (manufactured by Wako PureChemical Industries Ltd.), followed by stirring at 40° C., to obtain ahomogeneous solution. 0.05 part by mass of azoisobutyronitrile is addedto the solution, followed by stirring with refluxing at 100° C. for 30hours. The obtained solution is reprecipitated in distilled water andfiltered to obtain a precipitate. 1 part by mass of ethylene glycol, 2parts by mass of methyl acetate, and 0.01 part by mass oftetrabutoxytitanium are added to 5 parts by mass of this precipitate andthe mixture is stirred at 140° C. under a vacuum atmosphere for 6 hoursto obtain a multifunctional compound 21.

Through the treatment described above, the multifunctional compound 21is pelletized.

Examples A1 to A21 and Comparative Example A1

In accordance with Table 1, respective multifunctional compounds (thecompound represented by formula (1)) are pressed using a single actingpress and cut into UL test specimens (thickness 2 mm) in accordance withUL-94 to manufacture test specimens.

In addition, as Comparative compound 1 (Comparative Example A1), alignophenol derivative obtained with a method described in JapanesePatent No. 3632763 is treated in the same manner as described above tomanufacture test specimens.

In addition, the obtained test specimens are flame-welded using a UL-94V test method, and the flame retardancy of compounds is evaluated from acombustion period during primary flame welding. The results thusobtained are shown in Table 1.

TABLE 1 Combustion period Type of compound sec Ex. A1 Multifunctionalcompound 1 14 Ex. A2 Multifunctional compound 2 12 Ex. A3Multifunctional compound 3 10 Ex. A4 Multifunctional compound 4 15 Ex.A5 Multifunctional compound 5 10 Ex. A6 Multifunctional compound 6 12Ex. A7 Multifunctional compound 7 10 Ex. A8 Multifunctional compound 812 Ex. A9 Multifunctional compound 9 14 Ex. A10 Multifunctional compound10 14 Ex. A11 Multifunctional compound 11 13 Ex. A12 Multifunctionalcompound 12 14 Ex. A13 Multifunctional compound 13 12 Ex. A14Multifunctional compound 14 12 Ex. A15 Multifunctional compound 15 14Ex. A16 Multifunctional compound 16 13 Ex. A17 Multifunctional compound17 12 Ex. A18 Multifunctional compound 18 15 Ex. A19 Multifunctionalcompound 19 10 Ex. A20 Multifunctional compound 20 12 Ex. A21Multifunctional compound 21 14 Comp. Comparative compound 1 55 Ex. A1

Example B Examples B1 to B29 and Comparative Examples B1 to B7

The compositions shown in Tables 2 and 3 are mixed in a biaxial mixer(TEM58SS manufactured by Toshiba Machine Co., Ltd.) at a cylindertemperature of 180° C. to 200° C. to obtain a resin composition pellet.

In addition, in Tables 2 and 3, Comparative compound 1 is a lignophenolderivative obtained by a method described in Japanese Patent No.3632763.

The obtained pellet is molded into ISO versatile dumbbell test specimens(corresponding to ISO527 tensile testing, in accordance with ISO178bending test, test part thickness 4 mm, width 10 mm) and UL testspecimens for UL-94 V testing (thickness: 0.8 mm, 1.6 mm) in aninjection molding machine (NEX150 manufactured by Nissei Resin IndustryCo., Ltd.) at a cylinder temperature of 180° C. to 200° C. at a moldingtemperature of 30° C.

(Evaluation)

The pellets and test specimens thus obtained are subjected to thefollowing evaluation testing. The results thus obtained are shown inTables 4 and 5.

—End Capping Degree—

An end capping degree of aliphatic polyester resin in the pellets isevaluated by FT-IR (JASCO, FT/IR-6000).

—Flame Retardancy—

A UL-V testing is performed in accordance with UL-94 using UL testspecimens for V testing. In addition, evaluation bases are V0, V1 and V2from high flame retardancy in this order and in a case where flameretardancy is lower than V2, that is, the test specimen is combusted,the level is represented by V-Not.

—Hydrolysis Resistance—

The IS178 bending test is performed before and after the ISO versatiledumbbell test specimens are left to stand at 65° C./85% RH for 2000hours, to measure bending fracture distortion (INSTRON SV-50manufactured by TOYO SEIKI Co., Ltd.). These values are evaluated ashydrolysis resistance. Suppression of deterioration of bending fracturedistortion after standing for 2000 hours means presence of hydrolysisresistance,

TABLE 2 Aliphatic polyester resin Flame retardant Polylactic MetalMultifunctional acid Polyhydroxy Phosphorus- Sulfate- hydroxidecompounds Terramac alkanoate Catalyst based based ECOMAG Parts TE2000BIOPOLE Tetrabutoxytitanium PX200 APINON901 PZ-1 by Parts by Parts byParts by Parts by Parts by Parts by Type mass mass mass mass mass massmass Ex. B1 Multifunctional 0.2 100 compound 1 Ex. B2 Multifunctional0.2 100 0.002 compound 1 Ex. B3 Multifunctional 0.2 100 0.002 compound 1Ex. B4 Multifunctional 0.07 100 0.002 compound 1 Ex. B5 Multifunctional1.4 100 0.002 compound 1 Ex. B6 Multifunctional 0.2 100 0.002 compound 2Ex. B7 Multifunctional 0.2 100 0.002 compound 3 Ex. B8 Multifunctional0.2 100 0.002 compound 4 Ex. B9 Multifunctional 0.2 100 0.002 compound 5Ex. B10 Multifunctional 0.2 100 0.002 compound 6 Ex. B11 Multifunctional0.2 100 0.002 compound 7 Ex. B12 Multifunctional 0.2 100 0.002 compound8 Ex. B13 Multifunctional 0.2 100 0.002 compound 9 Ex. B14Multifunctional 0.2 100 0.002 compound 10 Ex. B15 Multifunctional 0.2100 0.002 compound 11 Ex. B16 Multifunctional 0.2 100 0.002 compound 12Ex. B17 Multifunctional 0.2 100 0.002 compound 13 Ex. B18Multifunctional 0.2 100 0.002 compound 14 Ex. B19 Multifunctional 0.2100 0.002 compound 15 Ex. B20 Multifunctional 0.2 100 0.002 compound 16

TABLE 3 Aliphatic polyester resin Flame retardant Polylactic MetalMultifunctional acid Polyhydroxy Phosphorus- Sulfate- hydroxidecompounds Terramac alkanoate Catalyst based based ECOMAG Parts TE2000BIOPOLE Tetrabutoxytitanium PX200 APINON901 PZ-1 by Parts by Parts byParts by Parts by Parts by Parts by Type mass mass mass mass mass massmass Ex. B21 Multifunctional 0.2 100 0.002 compound 17 Ex. B22Multifunctional 0.2 100 0.002 compound 18 Ex. B23 Multifunctional 0.2100 0.002 compound 19 Ex. B24 Multifunctional 0.2 100 0.002 compound 20Ex. B25 Multifunctional 0.2 100 0.002 compound 21 Ex. B26Multifunctional 0.2 100 10 compound 1 Ex. B27 Multifunctional 0.2 100 20compound 1 Ex. B28 Multifunctional 0.2 100 20 compound 1 Ex. B29Multifunctional 0.2 100 70 compound 1 Comp. Comparative 0.3 100 Ex. B1compound 1 Comp. Comparative 0.2 100 Ex. B2 compound 1 Comp. Comparative0.3 100 0.002 Ex. B3 compound 1 Comp. Comparative 0.2 100 Ex. B4compound 1 Comp. Comparative 0.3 100 0.002 20 Ex. B5 compound 1 Comp.Comparative 0.3 100 0.002 20 Ex. B6 compound 1 Comp. Comparative 0.3 1000.002 70 Ex. B7 compound 1

TABLE 4 Evaluation Hydrolysis resistance Flame retardancy (65° C./95%)(UL-V) Bending Bending Test Test strength strength End specimensspecimens before after being capping thickness thickness being left leftto stand degree 1.6 mm 0.8 mm to stand for 2000 hr Ex. B1 0.51 V-2 V-272 64 Ex. B2 0.92 V-1 V-2 58 58 Ex. B3 0.89 V-1 V-2 59 58 Ex. B4 0.88V-2 V-2 58 59 Ex. B5 0.9 V-2 V-2 57 58 Ex. B6 0.91 V-1 V-2 55 55 Ex. B70.92 V-1 V-2 60 59 Ex. B8 0.88 V-0 V-1 62 60 Ex. B9 0.89 V-0 V-1 62 60Ex. B10 0.86 V-0 V-1 60 59 Ex. B11 0.92 V-1 V-2 58 58 Ex. B12 0.94 V-1V-2 54 55 Ex. B13 0.93 V-1 V-2 56 55 Ex. B14 0.92 V-1 V-2 54 55 Ex. B150.91 V-1 V-2 55 55 Ex. B16 0.91 V-1 V-2 58 56 Ex. B17 0.9 V-1 V-2 57 58Ex. B18 0.92 V-1 V-2 54 54 Ex. B19 0.92 V-1 V-2 55 54 Ex. B20 0.91 V-1V-2 57 56

TABLE 5 Evaluation Hydrolysis resistance Flame retardancy (65° C./95%)(UL-V) Bending Bending Test Test strength strength End specimensspecimens before after being capping (thickness (thickness being leftleft to stand degree of 1.6 mm) of 0.8 mm) to stand for 2000 hr Ex. B210.93 V-1 V-2 56 56 Ex. B22 0.91 V-1 V-2 56 55 Ex. B23 0.91 V-1 V-2 56 56Ex. B24 0.92 V-1 V-2 57 57 Ex. B25 0.91 V-2 V-2 54 49 Ex. B26 0.93 V-0V-1 58 55 Ex. B27 0.95 V-0 V-0 60 55 Ex. B28 0.92 V-0 V-1 62 56 Ex. B290.91 V-0 V-1 70 58 Comp. 0.05 Not-V Not-V 78 25 Ex. B1 Comp. 0.05 Not-VNot-V 76 30 Ex. B2 Comp. 0.18 Not-V Not-V 78 28 Ex. B3 Comp. 0.02 Not-VNot-V 77 28 Ex. B4 Comp. 0.18 V-2 Not-V 58 26 Ex. B5 Comp. 0.12 V-2Not-V 62 28 Ex. B6 Comp. 0.11 Not-V Not-V 80 25 Ex. B7

As can be seen from the results, Examples of the present inventionexhibited superior flame retardancy and excellent hydrolysis resistance,as compared to Comparative Examples.

Example C Examples C1 to C33 and Comparative Examples C1 to C5

The compositions shown in Tables 6 and 7 are mixed in a biaxial mixer(TEM58SS manufactured by Toshiba Machine Co., Ltd.) at a cylindertemperature of 180° C. to 200° C. to obtain a resin composition pellet.

In addition, in Tables 6 and 7, Comparative compound 1 is a lignophenolderivative obtained by a method described in Japanese Patent No.3632763.

The obtained pellet is molded into ISO versatile dumbbell test specimens(corresponding to ISO527 tensile testing, corresponding to ISO178bending test, test part thickness 4 mm, width 10 mm) and UL testspecimens for UL-94 V testing (thickness: 0.8 mm, 1.6 mm) in aninjection molding machine (NEX150 manufactured by Nissei Resin IndustryCo., Ltd.) at a cylinder temperature of 180° C. to 200° C. at a moldingtemperature of 30° C.

(Evaluation)

The pellets and test specimens thus obtained are subjected to thefollowing evaluation testing. The results thus obtained are shown inTables 8 and 9.

—End Capping Degree—

An end capping degree of aliphatic polyester resin in the pellets isevaluated by FT-IR (JASCO, FT/IR-6000).

—Bending Elastic Modulus, Bending Fracture Distortion—

A bending elastic modulus and bending fracture distortion are measuredby a measuring apparatus (INSTRON SV-50 manufactured by TOYO SEIKI Co.,Ltd.) in accordance with the ISO178 bending test using ISO versatiledumbbell test specimens.

—Heat Deflection Temperature (HDT)—

A heat deflection temperature under a load of 1.8 MPa is measured with aHDT measuring apparatus (HDT-3 manufactured by TOYO SEIKI Co., Ltd.) inaccordance with the ISO178 bending test using ISO versatile dumbbelltest specimens.

—Flame Retardancy—

A UL-V testing is performed in accordance with UL-94 using UL testspecimens for V testing. In addition, evaluation bases are V0, V1 and V2from high flame retardancy in this order and in a case where flameretardancy is lower than V2, that is, the test specimen is combusted,the level is represented by V-Not.

TABLE 6 Aliphatic polyamide resin Plant-based Petroleum- Flame retardantPolyamide Polyamide based Metal Multifunctional Polyamide 10-10 6-10Polyamide Catalyst Phosphorus- Sulfate- hydroxide compound 11 ZYTELZYTEL 12 Germanium based based ECOMAG Parts BMNO RS10-10 RS6-10 UBESTAoxide PX200 APINON901 PZ-1 by Parts by Parts by Parts by Parts by Partsby Parts by Parts by Parts by Types mass mass mass mass mass mass massmass mass Ex. Multifunctional 2 100 C1 compound 1 Ex. Multifunctional 2100 0.04 C2 compound 1 Ex. Multifunctional 0.6 100 0.04 C3 compound 1Ex. Multifunctional 4.8 100 0.04 C4 compound 1 Ex. Multifunctional 2 1000.04 C5 compound 1 Ex. Multifunctional 2 100 0.04 C6 compound 1 Ex.Multifunctional 2 100 0.04 C7 compound 2 Ex. Multifunctional 2 100 0.04C8 compound 3 Ex. Multifunctional 2 100 0.04 C9 compound 4 Ex.Multifunctional 2 100 0.04 C10 compound 5 Ex. Multifunctional 2 100 0.04C11 compound 6 Ex. Multifunctional 2 100 0.04 C12 compound 7 Ex.Multifunctional 2 100 0.04 C13 compound 8 Ex. Multifunctional 2 100 0.04C14 compound 9 Ex. Multifunctional 2 100 0.04 C15 compound 10 Ex.Multifunctional 2 100 0.04 C16 compound 11 Ex. Multifunctional 2 1000.04 C17 compound 12 Ex. Multifunctional 2 100 0.04 C18 compound 13 Ex.Multifunctional 2 100 0.04 C19 compound 14 Ex. Multifunctional 2 1000.04 C20 compound 15

TABLE 7 Aliphatic polyamide resin Plant-based Petroleum- Flame retardantPolyamide Polyamide based Metal Multifunctional Polyamide 10-10 6-10Polyamide Catalyst Phosphorus- Sulfate- hydroxide compound 11 ZYTELZYTEL 12 Germanium based based ECOMAG Parts BMNO RS10-10 RS6-10 UBESTAoxide PX200 APINON901 PZ-1 by Parts by Parts by Parts by Parts by Partsby Parts by Parts by Parts by Types mass mass mass mass mass mass massmass mass Ex. Multifunctional 2 100 0.04 C21 compound 16 Ex.Multifunctional 2 100 0.04 C22 compound 17 Ex. Multifunctional 2 1000.04 C23 compound 18 Ex. Multifunctional 2 100 0.04 C24 compound 19 Ex.Multifunctional 2 100 0.04 C25 compound 20 Ex. Multifunctional 2 1000.04 C26 compound 21 Ex. Multifunctional 2 100 0.04 10 C27 compound 1Ex. Multifunctional 2 100 0.04 20 C28 compound 1 Ex. Multifunctional 2100 0.04 20 C29 compound 1 Ex. Multifunctional 2 100 0.04 70 C30compound 1 Ex. Multifunctional 0.4 100 0.04 C31 compound 1 Ex.Multifunctional 5.5 100 0.04 C32 compound 1 Ex. Multifunctional 2 1000.04 C33 compound 1 Comp. Comparative 2 100 0.04 Ex. C1 compound 1 Comp.Comparative 2 100 0.04 Ex. C2 compound 1 Comp. Comparative 2 100 0.04Ex. C3 compound 1 Comp. Comparative 2 100 0.04 20 Ex. C4 compound 1Comp. Comparative 2 100 0.04 70 Ex. C5 compound 1

TABLE 8 Evaluation Flame retardancy Bending Heat (UL-V) Bending fracturedeflection Test Test End elastic dis- tempera- specimens specimenscapping modulus tortion ture thickness thickness degree MPa % ° C. 1.6mm 0.8 mm Ex. 0.55 1950 12 72 V-2 V-2 C1 Ex. 0.91 2350 18 77 V-0 V-2 C2Ex. 0.92 2200 15 70 V-1 V-2 C3 Ex. 0.91 2250 16 80 V-0 V-1 C4 Ex. 0.892350 14 74 V-0 V-1 C5 Ex. 0.88 2400 16 73 V-0 V-1 C6 Ex. 0.89 2250 18 75V-0 V-1 C7 Ex. 0.91 2300 15 72 V-0 V-1 C8 Ex. 0.92 2150 16 74 V-0 V-1 C9Ex. 0.91 2200 14 75 V-0 V-1 C10 Ex. 0.88 2450 15 72 V-0 V-1 C11 Ex. 0.922200 16 73 V-0 V-1 C12 Ex. 0.93 2250 16 72 V-0 V-1 C13 Ex. 0.92 2300 1674 V-0 V-1 C14 Ex. 0.9 2500 12 76 V-0 V-1 C15 Ex. 0.89 2250 14 75 V-0V-1 C16 Ex. 0.9 2400 13 74 V-0 V-1 C17 Ex. 0.92 2450 11 76 V-0 V-1 C18Ex. 0.9 2500 12 76 V-0 V-1 C19 Ex. 0.89 2250 14 74 V-0 V-1 C20

TABLE 9 Evaluation Flame retardancy Bending Bending Heat (UL-V) elasticfracture deflection Test Test End modu- dis- tempera- specimensspecimens capping lus tortion ture thickness thickness degree MPa % ° C.1.6 mm 0.8 mm Ex. 0.88 2300 13 73 V-0 V-1 C21 Ex. 0.87 2250 15 75 V-0V-1 C22 Ex. 0.91 2250 15 72 V-0 V-1 C23 Ex. 0.92 2300 16 72 V-0 V-1 C24Ex. 0.89 2350 14 72 V-0 V-1 C25 Ex. 0.91 2050 9 75 V-1 V-2 C26 Ex. 0.942100 14 70 V-0 V-1 C27 Ex. 0.95 2000 16 68 V-0 V-0 C28 Ex. 0.93 2150 1471 V-0 V-1 C29 Ex. 0.89 2650 10 76 V-0 V-1 C30 Ex. 0.78 1750 12 69 V-0V-2 C31 Ex. 0.95 2800 7 82 V-0 V-1 C32 Ex. 0.92 1500 10 60 V-2 V-2 C33Comp. 0.12 950 10 47 Not-V Not-V Ex. C1 Comp. 0.08 850 8 48 Not-V Not-VEx. C2 Comp. 0.15 950 8 45 Not-V Not-V Ex. C3 Comp. 0.05 750 6 42 Not-VNot-V Ex. C4 Comp. 0.05 1000 4 55 Not-V Not-V Ex. C5

Example D Examples D1 to D31 and Comparative Examples D1 to D9

The compositions shown in Tables 10 and 11 are mixed in a biaxial mixer(TEM58SS manufactured by Toshiba Machine Co., Ltd.) at a cylindertemperature of 180° C. to 200° C. to obtain a resin composition pellet.

In addition, in Tables 10 and 11, Comparative compound 1 is alignophenol derivative obtained by a method described in Japanese PatentNo. 3632763.

The obtained pellet is molded into flat plate test specimens (50 mm×50mm, thickness of 2 mm) and UL test specimens for UL-94 V testing(thickness: 0.8 mm, 1.6 mm) in an injection molding machine (NEX150manufactured by Nissei Resin Industry Co., Ltd.) at a cylindertemperature of 180° C. to 200° C. at a molding temperature of 30° C.

(Evaluation)

The pellets and test specimens thus obtained are subjected to thefollowing evaluation testing. The results thus obtained are shown inTables 12 and 13.

—Molecular Weight Distribution—

The molecular weight distribution of pellets is measured using aGPC(HLC-9320 GPC manufactured by Tosoh cooperation).

—Dimensional Variation—

Dimensional variation is evaluated between before and after flat platetest specimens are left to stand under conditions of 60° C./85% RH for500 hours.

In addition, the dimensional variation is obtained from calculation bymeasuring four sides of the flat plate in a longitudinal direction and awidth direction and calculating differences therebetween before andafter being left to stand.

—Steel Ball Drop Strength—

Flat plate test specimens are placed on a self-manufactured steel balldrop test apparatus, a steel ball having a diameter of 50 cm and aweight of 500 g is dropped, and the height at which cracks formed on theflat plate test specimens is measured.

—Flame Retardancy—

A UL-V testing is performed in accordance with UL-94 using UL testspecimens for V testing. In addition, evaluation bases are V0, V1 and V2from high flame retardancy in this order and in a case where flameretardancy is lower than V2, that is, the test specimen is combusted,the level is represented by V-Not.

TABLE 10 Flame retardant Cellulose Metal Multifunctional CelluloseUnsub- Catalyst Phosphorus- Sulfate- hydroxide compound DiacetylCarboxymethyl acetate stituted Manganese based based ECOMAG Partscellulose cellulose propionate cellulose acetate PX200 APINON901 PZ-1 byParts by Parts by Parts by Parts by Parts by Parts by Parts by Parts byTypes mass mass mass mass mass mass mass mass mass Ex. Multifunctional 5100 D1 compound 1 Ex. Multifunctional 9.5 100 0.002 D2 compound 1 Ex.Multifunctional 0.6 100 0.002 D3 compound 1 Ex. Multifunctional 5 1000.002 D4 compound 1 Ex. Multifunctional 5 100 0.002 D5 compound 1 Ex.Multifunctional 5 100 0.002 D6 compound 1 Ex. Multifunctional 5 1000.002 D7 compound 1 Ex. Multifunctional 5 100 0.002 D8 compound 2 Ex.Multifunctional 5 100 0.002 D9 compound 3 Ex. Multifunctional 5 1000.002 D10 compound 4 Ex. Multifunctional 5 100 0.002 D11 compound 5 Ex.Multifunctional 5 100 0.002 D12 compound 6 Ex. Multifunctional 5 1000.002 D13 compound 7 Ex. Multifunctional 5 100 0.002 D14 compound 8 Ex.Multifunctional 5 100 0.002 D15 compound 9 Ex. Multifunctional 5 1000.002 D16 compound 10 Ex. Multifunctional 5 100 0.002 D17 compound 11Ex. Multifunctional 5 100 0.002 D18 compound 12 Ex. Multifunctional 5100 0.002 D19 compound 13 Ex. Multifunctional 5 100 0.002 D20 compound14

TABLE 11 Flame retardant Cellulose Metal Multifunctional CelluloseCatalyst Sulfate- hydroxide compound Diacetyl Carboxymethyl acetateUnsubstituted Manganese Phosphorus-based based ECOMAG Parts cellulosecellulose propionate cellulose acetate PX200 APINON901 PZ-1 by Parts byParts by Parts by Parts by Parts by Parts by Parts by Parts by Typesmass mass mass mass mass mass mass mass mass Ex. Multifunctional 5 1000.002 D21 compound 15 Ex. Multifunctional 5 100 0.002 D22 compound 16Ex. Multifunctional 5 100 0.002 D23 compound 17 Ex. Multifunctional 5100 0.002 D24 compound 18 Ex. Multifunctional 5 100 0.002 D25 compound19 Ex. Multifunctional 5 100 0.002 D26 compound 20 Ex. Multifunctional 5100 0.002 D27 compound 21 Ex. Multifunctional 5 100 0.002 10 D28compound 1 Ex. Multifunctional 5 100 0.002 20 D29 compound 1 Ex.Multifunctional 5 100 0.002 10 D30 compound 1 Ex. Multifunctional 5 1000.002 50 D31 compound 1 Comp. Comparative 5 100 0.002 Ex. D1 compound 1Comp. Comparative 9.5 100 0.002 Ex. D2 compound 1 Comp. Comparative 0.6100 0.002 Ex. D3 compound 1 Comp. Comparative 5 100 0.002 Ex. D4compound 1 Comp. Comparative 5 100 0.002 Ex. D5 compound 1 Comp.Comparative 5 100 0.002 Ex. D6 compound 1 Comp. Comparative 5 100 0.00210 Ex. D7 compound 1 Comp. Comparative 5 100 0.002 10 Ex. D8 compound 1Comp. Comparative 5 100 0.002 50 Ex. D9 compound 1

TABLE 12 Evaluation Steel ball drop strength Flame retardant (height at(UL-V) Molecular which test Test Test weight Dimensional specimen isspecimens specimens distribution variation cracked) (thickness(thickness (Mw/Mn) % mm 1.6 mm) 0.8 mm) Ex. D1 2.8 0.14  800 V-2 V-2 Ex.D2 7.8 0.05 2000 V-1 V-2 or more Ex. D3 3.2 0.09 1500 V-1 V-2 Ex. D4 4.30.08 1800 V-1 V-2 Ex. D5 3.9 0.07 1700 V-1 V-2 Ex. D6 4.8 0.06 1800 V-1V-2 Ex. D7 4.2 0.09 1600 V-1 V-2 Ex. D8 3.9 0.05 1800 V-1 V-2 Ex. D9 4.30.08 1700 V-1 V-2 Ex. D10 4.6 0.07 1800 V-1 V-2 Ex. D11 4.2 0.08 1600V-1 V-2 Ex. D12 4.3 0.09 1700 V-1 V-2 Ex. D13 4.6 0.08 1800 V-1 V-2 Ex.D14 5.1 0.07 1800 V-1 V-2 Ex. D15 4.8 0.06 1800 V-1 V-2 Ex. D16 4.2 0.081700 V-1 V-2 Ex. D17 4.3 0.09 1800 V-1 V-2 Ex. D18 3.9 0.08 1700 V-1 V-2Ex. D19 4.5 0.07 1800 V-1 V-2 Ex. D20 4.7 0.07 1600 V-1 V-2

TABLE 13 Evaluation Steel ball drop strength Flame retardant (height at(UL-V) Molecular which test Test Test weight Dimensional specimen isspecimens specimens distribution variation cracked) thickness thickness(Mw/Mn) % mm 1.6 mm 0.8 mm Ex. D21 4.6 0.07 1800 V-1 V-2 Ex. D22 4.50.08 1700 V-1 V-2 Ex. D23 4.3 0.09 1800 V-1 V-2 Ex. D24 4.5 0.08 1700V-1 V-2 Ex. D25 4.8 0.07 1800 V-1 V-2 Ex. D26 4.6 0.07 1700 V-1 V-2 Ex.D27 4.3 0.08 1600 V-2 V-2 Ex. D28 3.9 0.09 1200 V-0 V-1 Ex. D29 3.8 0.11000 V-0 V-0 Ex. D30 4.2 0.08 1400 V-0 V-1 Ex. D31 4.6 0.07 1200 V-0 V-1Comp. 4.3 0.24  200 Not-V Not-V Ex. D1 or less Comp. 7.6 0.21  200 Not-VNot-V Ex. D2 or less Comp. 2.3 0.28  200 Not-V Not-V Ex. D3 or lessComp. 4.2 0.25  200 Not-V Not-V Ex. D4 or less Comp. 4.1 0.26  200 Not-VNot-V Ex. D5 or less Comp. 4.3 0.24  200 Not-V Not-V Ex. D6 or lessComp. 3.9 0.31  200 Not-V Not-V Ex. D7 or less Comp. 4.1 0.29  200 Not-VNot-V Ex. D8 or less Comp. 4.3 0.22  200 Not-V Not-V Ex. D9 or less

As can be seen from the results, Examples of the present inventionexhibited superior dimensional variation, steel ball drop strength andflame retardancy, as compared to Comparative Examples.

Here, the type of materials in the respective tables is described indetail.

—Aliphatic Polyester Resin—

-   -   Polylactic acid: “Terramac TE2000” manufactured by Unitika Ltd.    -   Polyhydroxy alkanoate: “Biopole” manufactured by Monsanto Co.,        Ltd. (Japan)

—Aliphatic Polyamide Resin—

-   -   Polyamide 11: “BMNO” manufactured by Arkema Co., Ltd.    -   Polyamide 10-10: “ZYTEL RS10-10” manufactured by DuPont Corp.    -   Polyamide 6-10: “ZYTEL RS6-10” manufactured by DuPont Corp.    -   Polyamide 12: “UBESTA” manufactured by UMG Co., Ltd.

—Cellulose Resin—

-   -   Diacetylcellulose: manufactured by Daicel Chemical Industries,        Ltd.    -   Carboxymethyl cellulose: manufactured by Daicel Chemical        Industries, Ltd.    -   Cellulose acetate propionate: manufactured by Eastman Kodak        Company    -   Unsubstituted cellulose: manufactured by Daicel Chemical        Industries, Ltd.

—Catalyst—

-   -   Tetrabutoxytitanium: manufactured by Wako Pure Chemical        Industries Ltd.    -   Manganese acetate: manufactured by Wako Pure Chemical Industries        Ltd.

—Flame Retardant—

-   -   Phosphorus-based flame retardant: “PX200” manufactured by        DAIHACHI Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.    -   Sulfate-based flame retardant: “APINON 901” manufactured by        SANWA Chemical Co., Ltd.    -   Metal hydroxide flame retardant: “ECOMAG PZ-1” manufactured by        Tateho Chemical Industries Co., Ltd.

The foregoing description of the exemplary embodiments of the presentinvention has been provided for the purposes of illustration anddescription. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit theinvention to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously, many modificationsand variations will be apparent to practitioners skilled in the art. Theembodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain theprinciples of the invention and its practical applications, therebyenabling others skilled in the art to understand the invention forvarious embodiments and with the various modifications as are suited tothe particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of theinvention be defined by the following claims and their equivalents.

1. A compound represented by formula (1):

wherein R₁ and R₃ each independently represent an alkylene group having1 to 10 carbon atoms or an arylene group, R₂ and R₄ each independentlyrepresent a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, oran aryl group; and l, n and m each independently represent a naturalnumber of 1 to
 3. 2. The compound according to claim 1, wherein thearylene group represented by R₁ and R₃ in formula (1) is one selectedfrom a phenylene group and a naphthylene group.
 3. The compoundaccording to claim 1, wherein the alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atomsrepresented by R₂ and R₄ in formula (1) is one selected from a methylgroup, an ethyl group, an n-propyl group, an isopropyl group, an n-butylgroup, an isobutyl group, a sec-butyl group, a tert-butyl group, apentyl group and a hexyl group.
 4. The compound according to claim 1,wherein the aryl group represented by R₂ and R₄ in formula (1) is oneselected from a phenyl group and a naphthyl group.
 5. The compoundaccording to claim 1, wherein the compound represented by formula (1) isthe compound wherein R₁ represents an ethylene group or an n-butylenegroup, R₃ represents an ethylene group or an n-butylene group, R₂represents a methyl group, R₄ represents a methyl group, l represents 1or 2, n represents 1 or 2 and m represents 1 or
 2. 6. A resincomposition comprising a resin and a compound represented by formula(1):

wherein R₁ and R₃ each independently represent an alkylene group having1 to 10 carbon atoms or an arylene group, R₂ and R₄ each independentlyrepresent a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, oran aryl group, and l, n and m each independently represent a naturalnumber of 1 to
 3. 7. The resin composition according to claim 6, whereinthe arylene group represented by R₁ and R₃ in formula (1) is oneselected from a phenylene group and a naphthylene group.
 8. The resincomposition according to claim 6, wherein the alkyl group having 1 to 6carbon atoms represented by R₂ and R₄ in formula (1) is one selectedfrom a methyl group, an ethyl group, an n-propyl group, an isopropylgroup, an n-butyl group, an isobutyl group, a sec-butyl group, atert-butyl group, a pentyl group and a hexyl group.
 9. The resincomposition according to claim 6, wherein the aryl group represented byR₂ and R₄ in formula (1) is one selected from a phenyl group and anaphthyl group.
 10. The resin composition according to claim 6, whereinthe compound represented by formula (1) is the compound wherein R₁represents an ethylene group or an n-butylene group, R₃ represents anethylene group or an n-butylene group, R₂ represents a methyl group, R₄represents a methyl group, l represents 1 or 2, n represents 1 or 2 andm represents 1 or
 2. 11. The resin composition according to claim 6,wherein the resin is an aliphatic polyester resin.
 12. The resincomposition according to claim 6, wherein the resin is an aliphaticpolyimide resin.
 13. The resin composition according to claim 6, whereinthe resin is a cellulose resin.
 14. A resin molded article comprising aresin and 1 compound represented by formula (1):

wherein R₁ and R₃ each independently represent an alkylene group having1 to 10 carbon atoms or an arylene group, R₂ and R₄ each independentlyrepresent a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, oran aryl group, and l, n and m each independently represent a naturalnumber of 1 to
 3. 15. The resin molded article according to claim 14,wherein the arylene group represented by R₁ and R₃ in formula (1) is oneselected from a phenylene group and a naphthylene group.
 16. The resinmolded article according to claim 14, wherein the alkyl group having 1to 6 carbon atoms represented by R₂ and R₄ in formula (1) is oneselected from a methyl group, an ethyl group, an n-propyl group, anisopropyl group, an n-butyl group, an isobutyl group, a sec-butyl group,a tert-butyl group, a pentyl group and a hexyl group.
 17. The resinmolded article according to claim 14, wherein the aryl group representedby R₂ and R₄ in formula (1) is one selected from a phenyl group and anaphthyl group.
 18. The resin molded article according to claim 14,wherein the compound represented by formula (1) is the compound whereinR₁ represents an ethylene group or an n-butylene group, R₃ represents anethylene group or an n-butylene group, R₂ represents a methyl group, R₄represents a methyl group, l represents 1 or 2, n represents 1 or 2 andm represents 1 or 2.